You gotta love Mr Mike Motherfuckin’ McCready, and while we should laud him for a moment here…this ain’t about him.

Another of Seattle’s greatest; Duff Motherfuckin’ McKagan, is the focus here.

After the release of a book by the same title, originally in 2011, the cinematic version, of It’s So Easy:and Other Lies (2016), now on Netflix, provides some much needed depth, and great visual additions.

Taking to the stage and baring his soul to a live audience, Duff reads from the book as his family and friends, including Slash, Nikki Sixx, and Susan Holmes-McKagan, fill in in the gaps via interviews.

McKagan is open and honest, and shines a much needed light on the very real struggles of addicts. When talking of his recovery, he becomes animated.

He also shines when he talks of his thirty plus years as a musician with bands such as The Walking Papers, Velvet Revolver, and the the more recently reunited Guns N Roses.

The band and accompanying string quartet provide a moving soundtrack to the theater performance, and serve to add theatrical emotion.

If you are a fan of music, a survivor of addiction, or you just need a decent watch, this should be near the top of your “to watch” list.

Earlier this year Denise Matthews, age 57, died of renal failure. She was a recovering drug addict, and at the time of her death she was crowdfunding for a kidney transplant. Many previous years of drug misuse had caused renal failure.

Matthews is likely better known to you as musician Vanity. Though Vanity’s death was fleetingly mentioned in Western media, it was largely ignored.

Matthews was an ex-girlfriend and protegé of musician Prince Rogers Nelson, whose death, unlike that of his ex, was widely reported and cause quite a stir.

He only actually needed one name; PRINCE!

Matthews was a part of the music group Vanity 6. Following minor success as Vanity in 1981 came; drug addiction, a tumultuous relationship with Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, which furthered the drug dependence, and after close calls with death, conversion to Evangelism.

Is it quickly becoming more and more evident that getting religion ain’t gonna help you?

Only 2 months after Vanity died on February 15th 2016; April 21st 2016 saw the discovery of Princes dead body, in an elevator at his home in Minnesota, USA.

The Great Purple one was a Jehovah’s Witness since 1999.

He too was 57.

Today Prince would have been 58.

Headbangerwoman didn’t want to report on the death of Prince while there were rumors abound, preferring to wait until an official statement on cause of death was released. Now a statement has been released, it would appear that an accidental fentanyl overdose was in fact the cause of this early demise.

SO, here we have two people connected by music, beauty, fame and talent. Also connected by religion and drugs. Is this just the worlds cruel play on irony, or just very unfortunate circumstances?

The deaths of the two really do go to show that no matter how succesful you are, how great you look, how much money you have (or don’t in the case of Vanity) how on point and devoted you are, or want to be… Sometimes nothing will save you if addiction takes a hold.

And let’s get this straight. People who are addicted are not generally bad or awful people. Addiction changes the behaviour of a person. Then circumstances change. People become dependant and so the drug becomes the centre of their world. It’s a nasty horrible cycle, and one which sadly, many fail to fight successfully.

Fentanyl is known to be 10 times stronger than heroin. It is a drug that gives short-term relief of pain really well, but it is also known that the dose will become tolerated quickly, requiring an increased dosage soon after being prescribed. Addiction is quick.

Prince was so immensely talented. He could play any instrument he picked up, and effortlessly. He had an astounding voice. Along with his own hits, which include PurpleRain, Cream, When Doves Cry, I would die 4 U and Let’s Go Crazy, he wrote music for other artists, including Chaka Khan, The Bangles, Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna. He was an actor and an activist. He chose (though not too humbly, his home Paisley Park is immense) to live and work in his native Minneapolis and he never succumbed to the bright lights of Hollywood or artistic climes of New York, like many of his contemporaries. He was flamboyant on stage and yet shy and guarded in his private life. Like many before him, it would seem that he just happened to be a victim of circumstance, availability and possibly greed.

There have been reports that Prince had been suffering with long-term chronic pain issues. If this is the case, it would seem that the people he chose to manage that pain took a quick, easy (perhaps beneficial to their pocket books) yet deadly option in treating him.

No one will ever really know what happened to Prince. Suffice to say, those who were close to him are fiercely protective and will doubtless remain so. Those that wish to, will endlessly speculate and gossip. But that is not the way we do things here.

Prince was, in the eyes of Headbangerwoman; a superb musician and an immensely talented artist. His private life really should be of no concern, and while his death is a very huge loss for the music community, we should remember how brilliant was this man. We will continue to revel in his creativity and his humanity, admire his attempts at being the best person he could be, and not wallow in his (possible)addiction, or his demise.

For decades throughout his life, Prince was put on a pedestal. Let’s just leave him there.

If you had looked around the room, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that is was 1988. Some folk in attendance had not yet realized. But the hair was mostly smaller, pants were way less tight, and tits were (mostly) firmly inside their bras. Some bellies were undoubtedly a little rounder. But this was still unmistakably a rock and roll crowd.

At River Cree it seems that sometimes people get it wrong. This might have been one of those times. Or perhaps the opening band is supposed to be the main attraction.

Lita Ford was the headlining act here on February 20th 2016.

While Ford has a rich history as a musician, her vocals for the first three songs seemed not to back that fact up. Whether it was monitor issues, or just that Ford needed to warm up her voice, she got her reprieve during the fourth song and she became stronger vocally as her set progressed.

As a guitarist, live or otherwise, Ford is not to be questioned and in her partnership with guitarist Patrick Kennison (Heaven Below) the audience were able to witness a stunning rock show.

Add a dash of drummer Bobby Rock, an industry favorite for years, and 1988 had returned. Rocks impeccable and individual drumming style added one hell of a buzz. His solo was perfect.

Ford seemed to think she was required to mention collaberations with former boyfriend Nikk Sixx, (Motley Crue and Sixx AM) and recently deceased Motorhead icon Lemmy Kilmister to push a few songs and make them more attractive to the audience. But it wasn’t really necessary. Those in attendance were there solely for the former Runaway.

With a book release imminent, Ford had the perfect captive crowd to sell to. She mentioned that the press has already nit picked the publication for sex talk, but that it should be enjoyed cover to cover, not just for the sex. Buy it. It will be a great read, sex or not. Living Like a Runaway is published by Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered here.

While the headline performance started as a bumpy ride, it became a kick ass performance, so including the Runaways classic Cherry Bomb and finishing up with CloseMy Eyes Forever, a duet originally performed with Ozzy Osbourne, but reproduced beautifully here with Kennison, and MTV favorite Kiss Me Deadly, gave those both stage front, and back of the hall, the revival high that they had been craving.

Ford now commences her book tour.

Yet another contender for Headliner arrived, when Vixen hit the stage..

In October 2013, Jan Kuehnemund died after an aggressive battle with cancer. This was a huge blow to the remaining members of rock band Vixen, who were touring as JRSG, but were planning to reunite with their original guitarist.

Not to be stopped, Vixen have now been playing shows steadily since early 2014, and with great success. The only thing bigger than the Vixen sound is singer/guitarist Janet Gardners hair, and it is at least a foot shorter than it was in the late 80’s.

While they are know as an all girl band, Vixen are a fucking talented rock band. Their gender is completely irrelevant.

Share Ross can kick the ass of any other bassist living or dead. That is the reason she is on the stage with the best known and most successful line up of this band. The bass in all of Vixens music is stand alone. That’s why it works. Standing even 50 feet away from the stage you can feel the confidence in the air as the bass sound pulses through you. Ross oozes credence and conviction. And maybe a little essential oil…

Of course Roxy Petruccis drumming is not to be sniffed at. Bobby might Rock, but Roxy can roll it out to the tune of his drums and hold her own. No problem. And that was proven in Madam X a long time before this show. But at this show, it was reiterated. No arguing; Petrucci is baller than ever behind the kit.

Gina Stile is not in a position that many would be able to fill. Since the death of Kuehnemund, Stile has stood tall next to the better known members of Vixen. But let’s just stop the comparisons right now. Stile is talented, she is sassy and she IS a guitarist with Vixen. It’s that simple. With a guitar style that works well with the Vixen songs, she rips it up with the best of ’em, and she’s living the American Dream.

OK, so we mentioned hair earlier, but what about that voice? Have you ever tried to sing along to a Vixen song? Don’t, you are either an idiot or an Opera singer if you do. Janet Gardner has one of the most fucking incredible voices you ever heard, and she reproduced fucking incredible, on the stage of the River Cree Resort and Casino, at this show.

Let’s face it most of us can’t walk in heels wearing a short skirt. Could we shred guitar, and pull off flawless vocal at the same time? Shut the fuck up. Gardner is original, she is incredible, and she’s back on stage kicking your ass.

You can’t pick a favorite Vixen song. It just won’t happen ever. But with all bases and the MTV favorites covered at this show, these very talented musicians gave you what you payed for, and more besides.

So, we return to the opening paragraph…. and band.

Who knows where the fuck Lorraine Lewis gets here energy from? It could be Starbucks, it might be Margheritas, but she’s sharing it. You are infected… and contagious.

From the minute the Femme Fatale front fucker hits the stage, there is an air of electricity. Lewis uses the entire stage (and sometimes her butt) to grab your attention. Of course, while she’s doing that, she is just belting out pitch perfect vocals and putting on a performance worthy of Broadway. Lewis is a perfectionist and that shows. She earned your adoration. She owns your ass.

Of course having a band that can keep up with a woman who has energy levels only comparable to the Tasmanian Devil, is a bonus.

Keyboard player Katt Scarlett seems to balance out that energy by appearing demure, moody and melodic. Off stage her energy and vigor grab you by the tit.

Taller than anyone when she stands on a chair and band bassist Janis Tanaka, is holding her own private mosh pit and limbo dancing, while guitarist Nikki Stringfield is shredding so fiercely that it looks like her head will roll off and bowl a strike on the drum bass.

Behind the rest of the band, keeping time on this manic menagerie is none other that Athena Bass. There are so many words or scenarios to describe Bass, that doing so would result in an entirely different article being written. So let’s just say that “Athena was there doing her thing.”

The energy from this band, even though not in its original 80’s form, with only Lewis remaining from those heady MTV led days, is undeniable. They may not have had the success of Ford or Vixen, but they have a chemistry so undeniable, that it would, without question, warrant the headlining spot. Those in attendance would agree. Those that weren’t, will spend the rest of their lives wondering what the fuck they were doing when they didn’t buy tickets.Femme Fatale at River Cree Feb 20 2016

The high from this show should last well into the middle of next week. Unless you are Lorraine Lewis, who is waiting for the next show and next high, having had this one abruptly ended when she realized that she had to pick up her dogs latest big one.

NONE of which were born with the names listed. Some of them of course legally changed the names they were given at birth. Others are/were known just by nicknames. But that is how people know them. It’s how members of the public recognise them. It is ludicrous to assume that Rhianna, Paul Stanley or Tom Cruise would be asked to use a birth name on a social media site, or elsewhere, for that matter. No-one would know who the fuck they were.

How about Kat Von D, Deadmau5, Ice T, or Banksy. Let’s insist they become a name that no-one ever heard of?

Yet Facebook seems to pick and choose who it allows to use a different name, even though those people may have signed up to use Facebook with the stage name they use, and they have likely used it for 20 plus years.

What is being referred to here is the recent decision by Facebook to disallow Dogs D’Amour drummer Bam Tastic, to continue to use his name. A name he has been using for some 30 years.

We all know it’s highly unlikely that someone was named Bam by his parents in the 1960’s, however likely it may be now. But it’s ridiculous to exclude a person from social media purely based on a stage name. It is true, this was not the name given at birth. But it IS his name. Facebook is seriously fucking up by trying to make this change.

Bams wife Share Ross (Vixen, Bubble, Joe Elliot) who is known to millions as Vixens bassist, also uses a name that was not given her at birth. No-one from Facebook has requested that she become someone she is not, to this point. It’s a possibility, but then people wouldn’t know who she is either….. Yes, it really is as ridiculous as it sounds.

Bam stated on his Facebook Artist page that “Well… UPDATE: my case is closed. I am not allowed to be Bam. Really? REALLY Facebook.”

It appears that Facebook is fickle. Canadian actress Avaah Blackwell was until recently known by her birth name on the social media site. Facebook were contacted by her, and she told us “I had to email Facebook and state my case. I explained that the artist had not changed, just the name.”

Avaah was allowed to change her name on Facebook.

And that other famous Bam (Margera)…. still on Facebook at the time of going to press!

Yet others such as Rocky Shades (Wrathchild, Wildside Riot), Katt Scarlett (Femme Fatale) and Bam (Dogs D’Amour, Bubble) have been forced to use their birth names, or leave the social media site.

Double standards? Nit picking? It sure as hell seems that way.

Let’s get this stupid rule reversed. It’s actually causing more harm and disruption than good.

GOOD LUCK Bam.

KG (Headbangerwoman) Sept 18th 2015

UPDATE: Around the same time that this article was published, Facebook reinstated Bam, using his birth surname of Ross.
Welcome back Bam Ross!

Los Angeles, CA (January 28, 2014) – After more than three decades together, iconic rock ‘n roll band MÖTLEY CRÜE announced today their Final Tour and the band’s ultimate retirement. The announcement was solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation Of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles today. Celebrating the announcement of this Final Tour, the band will perform on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live TONIGHT and will appear on CBS This Morning TOMORROW MORNING.

With over 80 million albums sold, MÖTLEY CRÜE has sold out countless tours across the globe and spawned more than 2,500 MÖTLEY CRÜE branded items sold in over 30 countries. MÖTLEY CRÜE has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different; Fans can expect to hear the catalogue of their chart- topping hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production. “When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that’s part of Motley Crue’s legacy,” explains Nikki Sixx (bass). “As far as letting on to what we’re doing, that would be like finding out what you’re getting for Christmas before you open the presents. We think in an age of too much information, we’d like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch the Final Tour.”

The Final Tour presented by Dodge and produced by Live Nation will kick off in North America on July 2nd in Grand Rapids, MI and reach 72 markets before hitting international territories in 2015. To Live Nation MÖTLEY CRÜE tours are not only box office successes but artistically their shows have set the bar for production and entertainment value. “There’s no arguing that Motley Crue have been and always will be the definitive bad boys of rock and roll,” says Rick Franks, Live Nation’s Regional President of North America Concerts. “But behind all those notorious stories is a legendary rock band that has revolutionized heavy metal and created some of the biggest hits in music history. They are a hugely successful global brand and a touring powerhouse. Everyone at Live Nation has a tremendous amount of respect for these hard working and extremely talented gentlemen. The music industry will never have another Motley Crue.”

The Dodge brothers were a notorious duo, so it seemed only natural to partner with the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band. “Whenever I talk to people about Motley Crue, the common thread is how cool and relevant the band remains even after 33 years,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This irreverent ‘staying power’ resonates deeply with the Dodge brand as we turn the corner on our 100 year anniversary. What better way to celebrate the band’s final tour and the 25th anniversary of Kickstart My Heart than to do it together?”

Fans can look forward to Very Special Guest ALICE COOPER joining MÖTLEY CRÜE for an incredible package – Alice invented the genre and MÖTLEY CRÜE put steroids in it! “Real hard rock bands are hard to find these days,” said Alice, continuing,”Motley has always gone on stage with one attitude and that’s to blow the audience away. That’s exactly how we do it. Putting Motley Crue and Alice Cooper together is going to be just what this summer really NEEDS. We’re going to go out there and tear it up, and I can’t wait to see Motley on stage. Motley Crue and Alice Cooper – A match made in… Armageddon?”

As documented in the Cessation Of Touring Agreement the band signed at the press conference today, the band will not tour after this Final Tour. Band Attorney, Doug Mark of Mark Music & Media Law, explains “Other bands have split up over rancor or the inability of people to get along, but this is a mutual among all four original members and peaceful decision to move on to other endeavors and to confirm it with a binding agreement.” Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars will go their separate ways after the lengthy 2-year touring cycle. Tommy Lee (drums) explains “Everything must come to an end!! We always had a vision of going out with a big fucking bang and not playing county fairs and clubs with 1 or 2 original band members! Our job here is done!!!” Of the band’s tumultuous history, Mick Mars (guitar) adds “(It has been) more drama than ‘General Hospital’ it keeps ‘em watchin’ and they keep comin’ back.” Vocalist, Vince Neil says of the Finality of the tour – “I’ll miss playing with the guys but I won’t quit playing rock and roll!! I feel there are a lot of great opportunities and exciting projects after Motley.”

The Final Tour will coincide with the film made from MÖTLEY CRÜE’s NY Times Best-Selling book The Dirt. Jeff Tremaine (Bad Grandpa) has signed on to direct the opus that is set to debut in theaters globally in 2015, coinciding with The Final Tour. The Dirt is not only one of the best selling rock books of all time but also one of the greatest rock books of all time because of its brutal honesty, its unique voice, its multiple perspectives on the same events and its first-person inclusion of all members of the same band. Most rock memoirs are salacious mud-slinging accounts of a single person and MÖTLEY CRÜE was adamant to include the perspectives of all four of its members. Tremaine’s intention is to make, not just a great movie about a band, but a great movie about four misfits who, despite themselves and everyone else, band together to overcome the odds and change the history of Rock & Roll. “The Dirt’ is a movie I’ve wanted to make ever since I read the book in 2002,” says Tremaine. “I relate to the story on so many levels; my whole professional career has been about boys behaving badly, so I have a real connection to the material. It’s awesome to be working with the band at such an exciting time in Motley Crue’s history.” The film will be produced by the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Rick Yorn, Julie Yorn, Erik Olsen and 10th Street Entertainment.

BIG MACHINE RECORDS, home to Country Superstars such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw has teamed up in a joint venture with MÖTLEY RECORDS and ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC for the summer 2014 release of a Country Music Tribute To MÖTLEY CRÜE. BIG MACHINE founder and CEO, Scott Borchetta, is among the legion of Country Music fans who love MÖTLEY CRÜE. The country tribute album will show off the band’s quality songwriting with these fresh takes on their classic hit songs. Among the artists already confirmed to be featured on the country tribute album is Florida Georgia Line. Borchetta says of the collaboration, “I have been a not-so-secret Crue fan from the beggining. When manager Chris Nilsson called with the idea for a tribute album on Big Machine Records it was an immediate ‘yes’ from me! Our album will highlight just how great the Motley Crue song catalog is. At the end of the day, that’s what will stand the test of time.”

MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will get the exclusive first crack at tickets and VIP Packages, via a unique code, beginning on Wednesday, January 29th starting at 10am local time. VIP ticket packages will be made available to the general public on Thursday, January 30th at 10am local time. The general public ticket on-sale for most shows is Friday, January 31st. All tickets and packages can be obtained via Ticketmaster.com,LiveNation.com, or via MotleyVIP.com.

Swedish singer Mia Klose is very obviously vocally talented, but that she is talented in a multi faceted manner, is maybe not so obvious.

Klose grew up in Sweden, birthplace of among others, ABBA. Motley Crue bassist and founder Nikki Sixx, recently announced his love of ABBA. TiTT asked Klose, does she feel the same? “I’m a total ABBA fan! Bjorn and Benny have possibly written some of the best songs of all time.” Klose disclosed. “The skills of their song writing is beyond words. I think as musicians it’s important to be able to appreciate all kinds of music, not just the genre you have specialized in. If you take your inspiration from a single source, your own music will quickly become boring and everything can start to sound the same.”

With a voice that could take you back to 1986 or indeed 1976, Klose vocal is also very fresh. She touched on that. “I think I am lucky, that my voice just sounds like that naturally. The material I write has a touch of the 1980’s and early 1990’s, but as my band and I are all young that will reflect through the music too.”

Not only does she have a voice fit for the 80’s and 90’s, but Klose has a look that is that of the love child of 80’s vocal vixens Lita Ford and Doro Pesch. TiTT asked whether these two iconic women were an inspiration to her? “ I take my inspiration from so many different sources!” She tells enthusiastically, “ There are times I will get inspired by walking in the forest, but I spend most of my time in London, England. It’s so easy to find inspiration here, it’s a real freak show sometimes. Full of crazy and interesting people! I definately find Janis Joplin and Gwen Stefani inspiring, if I was to pick out other female artists!”

It would appear that Klose, surrounded by crazy people, may have dumpster diving tendencies too. “I make most of my stage clothes myself and always have done,” Klose shared. “I love turning old garments into new.” Of course the aforementioned Stefani has always made her own clothes, so maybe what we see here is a future fashionista? Klose elaborated; “You can find clothes on the streets of London that people have lost, or thrown away. There are so many people coming through London that my supply is great. They leave clothes behind, I customise them! I love vintage clothes too and London is also great for that! I always dressed a little differently from the mainstream in school. I was always focused on creative projects, even then. It would be hard for me to judge whether other people thought I was the freaky kid though. All I know is I felt a bit like an outsider until I started music college in Stockholm, where I met like minded people.”

Did we mention that as well as being a master seamstress, Klose can also sing, play drums, guitar and violin! But back to the voice. We intruded into the bathroom and Klose told us that she sometimes sings in the shower. “I do sometimes sing in the shower and I sing whatever comes to mind really. It has a great acoustic and can be a good place to warm up before a show.” So if you happen to be lucky enough to be backstage at a Klose show and you hear singing from the shower, it’s not a mermaid!

Klose recently played a show or two with Falling Red drummer, Dave Sanders. Dave is a friend of TiTT so we wanted to get the lowdown on him…. Klose told it like this; “Dave is an absolute star. He learns so quickly and is so easy to get along with. We do have a full new line-up for my band now though. In addition to C-Rexx (bass) and Jonny Nonsense (guitar), who have been with me for a while, we now have Swedish Kalle, who completes the iconic twin guitar sound and Henry Rogers on drums. Rogers was recently voted top ten of the worlds best drummers in PROG Magazine! I’m thrilled to have such skilled musicians working with me.”

Not only is she great at performing live, but she isn’t fazed by being on stage. “It feels pretty natural for me, to be on stage. It’s something I have done since an early age. I do get very focused before a gig though. I get loaded with energy and excitement!”

Driven is where she really needs to be at. The heyday of Sleaze/Rock/Hairmetal are often seen as dead in this day and age. Any artist performing this genre needs to be ridiculously dedicated. We asked Klose what drives her? “I just love this kind of music.” Was the short answer. We pushed… “If you are just looking at trends and following what is popular, you will only survive for as long as the trend does! But, if you are honest and you make music that really comes from the heart, you are on to something that is real. This is no business for people who want an easy ride. You have to work very, very hard and be extremely driven and be willing to work hard while you live a very frugal life.”

Hard work and just existing is paying off in this case. Klose just recorded her debut cd, LONDON. We wondered, what her highs and lows were while recording? “To be honest, the best part was when it was all done!” Klose laughs, “I really don’t like being in the studio. It’s great to get the end result, but I’m a perfectionist and singing the same verse over and over, just to get a perfect result, it’s very frustrating. In the end you can feel like you never want to hear those songs again. It is totally worth it in the end though!”

In the end the thing that Klose is most proud of on the record is that it happened at all! She offers; “It is a huge struggle to release an album and get to the place I am right now, completely on your own, without a label behind you! I have learned to do everything by myself and that is something I am really proud of!”

Klose came so far alone, does she think a return to Sweden will ever happen? Drummer Mikkey Dee of Motorhead lives there when he is not touring, ABBA vocalist Agnetha Falkstog too. Even the fabulously flambouyant Micheal Monroe returned to his native Finland after great success in the US and UK! Klose answer is… “Possibly in the future. But right now I would not want to move back. I felt limited in Sweden, in London creativity can just flow. No one questions me. It’s so liberating. Maybe in the future, when I want to start a family I would consider going back to Sweden, where it is nice and quiet, a great place to grow up!”

Before that happens, what plans for 2014 for Klose and Co.?

“We plan to record a single, called Living For Love complete with a video. A Spring release is scheduled. Then we will announce some gigs as soon as permitted. I think 2014 is going to be a great year for us with the new line up!” Klose is confident!